Ten years ago we came to an agreement on the fundamental principles
of sustainable development and the actions that are indispensable towards
sustainability. We did so, as we were convinced that sustainable development
is not only one of the objectives of the societies but it is the sole feasible
solution for providing equitable living conditions for current and future
generations on global, national and local levels, which also requires the
conservation of our planet's natural environment.

Since 1992 many things have happened in the world. Critical problems
related to sustainable development were addressed by major UN conferences,
global conventions adopted in Rio entered into force, new international
agreements have been concluded. However, all in all, our world has not
become `more sustainable' in the recent decade, what's more, the situation
has clearly deteriorated in several respects.

In Hungary, the 1990's were a period when the political system changed
and substantial socio-economic transformation took place similarly to other
many other countries of the Central-Eastern European region. These changes
involved the construction of a democratic institutional system and the
transition to a market economy.

However, we talk about controversial processes both from the social
and the environmental aspects if we keep in mind the criteria of sustainable
development and specifically its long-term perspectives. Along this significant
social transformation we had to recognize that social disparities and the
gap in living standards substantially increased.

As a consequence of economic restructuring and modernization, the former
resource-intensive sectors contracted. Consequently the pressure on environment
decreased. However, this process coupled with a parallel increase in consumption
that results again in a growing pressure 'On environment. Priorities of
our participation in the international cooperation have, also been thoroughly
transformed and in this context, the accession to the European Union has
become our highest priority.

We should realize that our ineffectiveness in terms of our overall sustainability
objectives stems from lack of comprehensive strategies, action plans with
concrete targets, more efficient institutional structures, and means of
implementation and ultimately, the lack of properly coordinated actions.

We need to pay particular attention to improve the synergy among our
institutions. In this respect good governance is of fundamental importance
on every level and this concerns the social, environmental and economic
policies, the respect of human rights and the rule of law. The role of
various institutions, in promoting sustainable development should be enhanced.
At national level, these include government institutions at all levels,
parliaments, non-governmental organizations. Significance should be attributed
to enhanced social solidarity, respect of human values, the ethnic and
cultural diversity, the values of nature and halting the degradation of
natural resources. We pay special attention to regional cooperation. Its
importance was highlighted by such natural hazard, as the recent extreme
floods in our region.

In order to change unsustainable processes, besides the actions by government
authorities, the involvement of all stakeholders is an imperative. For
an efficient social participation transparency, access to information are
indispensable factors.

These principles and aspirations were taken into account when we were
preparing for this Summit. We confirm and call all of you to reaffirm out
commitment to sustainable development here. Its principles should guide
the international cooperation and our domestic actions, as well.